what pack am I describing?

The KS 30 with the hip belt and frame set options fits your needs pretty well. The layout of his site is convoluted, but he makes some nice packs from what I’ve read.

Edit: I just realised the KS 30 is only 23 litres without the added pockets. The larger KS 40 is 32 litres without the pockets, so it’s probably better suited.

Chris- thanks!  Looks like with a few options I could get exactly what I’m looking for.  His site is very convoluted; I think I’ll try an email to get a clearer picture if he can do what I want and cost.

Mike

You can’t go wrong with a Ks ultralight pack.I had  laurent make me A Ks 50 in  dyneema material and couldn’t be happier with the pack. I found Laurent very easy to work with and he always got back to me within a day or so.

Sounds like this:

https://www.swdbackpacks.com/product-page/superior-35-full-suspension

or

https://www.swdbackpacks.com/product-page/superior-35-ul-backpack-frameless

I’ll check both those options out; price tag on either outfit is a little more than I was hoping though

price tag on either outfit is a little more than I was hoping though.

“Buy once, cry once”   :)

well this is true :)

Sounds exactly like a SWD Superior 35. They’re very open to customisations too, and are great to work with. I’m very happy with my Long Haul 50L.

anyone have any experience with Elemental Horizons?  they offer a 30-ish liter pack available in X-Pac w/ an optional frame sheet

Mike, I have three Elemental Horizons packs. Matthew is great to work with and will do customizations.

But I don’t think any of his packs come in at a pound – closer to 2?.

Still, most definitely my favorite pack. Well made, carry great, etc. If you find yourself around Seattle would be happy to show you mine, or even mail one to you (as long as you pay shipping both ways) to check out before purchasing.

Doug- he has the Aduro SL (33 liters) listed at 20-ish oz- close enough :)

Mike

Perfectly happy with my superior wilderness designs pack, better than id hoped for. I went with a vx 42 bottom and vx 21 body, solid front pocket, weighs a little more, but durable.

I always like threads where the OP comes back and says what he ended doing/getting/going; so……

I ended up chatting with Matthew at Elemental Horizons and told what I had in mind. The Aduro was the pack that best fit what I was looking for- something streamlined, light and 30-ish liters. He has the X Pac VX 21 and that’s what I went with. He also suggested for a lot of off trail/rugged country to go with the 400d ripstop for bottle pockets, so I did. I wanted the option of a lightweight frame and he had just finished designing/producing one.

The front of the pack comes with shockcord lashing, but wanted something beefier for snowshoes or skis- he came up with a two strap setup that should work nicely (removable as well).

With everything on the pack comes to just under 30 ounces. The X PAC adds 3 ounces to their base 20 ounce pack. The straps are a little over an ounce and the removable frame 5.5 ounces.

The pack is very streamlined and the workmanship top notch. It has the makings for a really nice, small pack for rougher country :)

Got any pictures Mike? We don’t often get to see many of the smaller vendor products.

Carlos here’s a few :)

rear

http://i.imgur.com/NdYQzsj.jpg
side w/ front pocket, side pockets and compression

http://i.imgur.com/QdoVR5r.jpg

clamshell opening and slot for the frame

http://i.imgur.com/92FbWbo.jpg

front w/ lashing setup

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